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Good morning, Alexandria.
The Alexandria Brief turns one month old today. I launched this newsletter to deliver the kind of journalism Alexandria deserves — deep dives that make you smarter, coverage that doesn’t chase clicks, and reporting by a neighbor who lives with the same decisions you do. Thank you for being here from the start. I’m just getting started.
Rail commuters are adjusting to new schedules as construction ramps up on the Long Bridge Project — the largest rail investment in the region in generations. VRE changes took effect this week, with Amtrak adjustments and daily construction windows beginning Jan. 12. The disruptions will last through 2030, but the payoff includes the system’s first-ever weekend and late-night trains. Meanwhile, snowplows will be out Friday for an annual training drill — but with a 50% chance of snow in the forecast, crews may transition from practice to the real thing. And with Virginia on track for legal cannabis sales by November 2026, we’re asking: Where will Alexandria allow shops?
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ Winter Village kicks off ice skating season with ribbon cutting, holiday festivities
Clouds will build through the day Thursday with a high near 44 degrees, but that won’t dampen the holiday spirit. Light northwest winds could gust up to 21 mph, so bundle up for outdoor events. Tonight brings increasing clouds and a low of around 25 degrees.
The Winter Village at Cameron Run takes center stage as Mayor Alyia Gaskins joins the community for a ribbon-cutting and ice-skating party at 6 p.m. The Ice & Lights attraction opens at 5 p.m. for those looking to get an early start on the holiday fun. Nearby, Legacy Reserve at Old Town hosts its second annual Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m., while Gunston Hall offers a holiday wreath-making workshop at 6 p.m.
Live music fills venues across the city, with Take 6 bringing their holiday show “Spread Love at The Holidays” to The Birchmere at 7:30 p.m. Elsewhere, Mike Kelley & Friends perform at 219 Restaurant, and trivia nights are on tap at Aslin ALX, Hops N Shine, and Lost Boy Cider. The Alexandria School Board meets at 6 p.m. to discuss its police partnership, facility naming, and academic calendars, while the Housing Affordability Advisory Committee convenes at 7 p.m.
Ryan Belmore
On this day in 1971, the T.C. Williams football team won the state championship, capping an undefeated season later immortalized in “Remember the Titans.”
